Commencement Exercises 2026

Thiel College celebrates its 152nd Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 9, 2026. We will recognize both Class of 2026 undergraduates and Master of Business Administration graduates.

Commencement Exercises will take place at 11:00am in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center. A Baccalaureate worship service will be held at 7 pm Friday, May 8, 2026 in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel.

• Information on travel arrangements and accommodations.

The ceremony will be livestreamed as well as available for online viewing afterward.  The livestream links will be posted closer to the event date.

Class of 2026 Commencement Schedule of Events

Friday, May 8

7 p.m. Baccalaureate Service, David Johnson Memorial Chapel

Saturday, May 9

9 a.m. Graduate Robing, Maenpa Court at Beeghly Gymnasium

10:45 a.m. Brother Martin’s Walk Procession Begins 

11 a.m. Commencement Exercises, William A. Passavant Memorial Center

12:30 p.m. Commencement Reception, William A. Passavant Memorial Center Lawn 

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Student RSVP

Friends/Family RSVP

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Information for Commencement Participants and Parents

April 24 

• Baccalaureate, Commencement and Commencement Reception Online RSVPs are due.

May 3

• Picnic for Graduates hosted by President Traverso – 5:30 p.m., HMSC Lawn and Terrace
• Class of 2026 Tree Dedication – 6:30 p.m., Brother Martin’s Walk
• Commencement Rehearsal – 7 p.m., William A. Passavant Center.
• NOTICE: Graduates must attend rehearsal. Important information, final instructions and seating assignments will be provided.

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Regalia information

• Students who registered for graduation by Jan. 30, 2026 will receive regalia packages.
• The Campus Store will inform/email students and have regalia ready for purchase/pickup for undergraduate and MBA students by late March/mid-April, Master of Science in physician assistant studies and speech-language pathology students will purchase/pickup in late April/early May.
• Bachelor’s degree regalia consists of a cap, gown and tassel. Stoles for bachelor’s degree graduates have been discontinued. Students can purchase stoles on their own or from Jostens’ website.
  • Order Stoles.
• Master's degree regalia comprises a cap, gown, tassel and hood.

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Parking

On Saturday, May 9, students should park their cars in the normally assigned areas to provide ample guest parking. Students should not park in the Howard Miller Student Center, Roth Hall or Greenville Hall parking lots.

• Guests can download the campus map to find a parking lot .

Campus Store

The Campus Store will be open Saturday, May 9 with hours to be announced.

Resumes and Job Search

Graduates should contact the Career Development Center (724-589-2063) for resume and job search assistance.

Graduation News Release

A list of graduates will be posted in the Thiel College Newsroom following the ceremony. Any student who does not wish to have their information included should email Dominick DiRienzo M.A.’22 or call 724-589-2188.

ADA Compliance: Accessible Campus Events

Thiel College is responsible for ensuring equal access to all of its programs, activities, events and services for persons with disabilities. For all events held on campus, or through College sponsored programs at other sites, advertisements must include information about how to request reasonable accommodations. The following statement must be included on any written materials used to promote the event prior to the actual event - invitations, web site, flyers, and social media posts.

Thiel College is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations to access this event, please contact the Special Events Office at 724-589-2240 or specialevents@thiel.edu by April 25.